Roster watch

August 10, 1991|By Vito Stellino

A position-by-position look at the Washington Redskins' roster battles going into the second exhibition game tonight in New England:

Quarterback: Mark Rypien, Stan Humphries and Cary Conklin are the top 3. Jeff Rutledge would appear to be the odd man out, but the Redskins like to collect quarterbacks, and he could wind up on the IR list.

Running backs: This position is set, with Earnest Byner, Gerald Riggs, Ricky Ervins, Brian Mitchell and John Settle. The only question is whether Settle will recover from a rib injury or will go on IR.

Tight ends: Ron Middleton, Jimmie Johnson, Ken Whisenhunt and John Brandes are set, with rookies Dennis Ransom and James Jenkins fighting for the last spot. Don Warren will be on the final 47, but then will go on IR.

Offensive line: Jim Lachey, Joe Jacoby, Jeff Bostic, Mark Schlereth and Ed Simmons are the starters, with Raleigh McKenzie and Russ Grimm the top backups. Mark Adickes, Ray Brown and Mo Elewonibi are fighting for spots, although last year the Redskins kept all 10.

Defensive line: Charles Mann, Markus Koch and Fred Stokes are the ends and Tim Johnson, Eric Williams, Bobby Wilson and Jumpy Geathers the tackles. Tracy Rocker and veteran Darryl Grant -- as soon as he recovers from a calf injury -- will fight for spots, although they could wind up on the trading block.

Defensive backs: Darrell Green, Martin Mayhew, Alvin Walton and Brad Edwards are the starters and Terry Hoage and Alvoid Mays the backups. Clarence Vaughn and Danny Copeland will vie for the final safety spot, and Sidney Johnson and rookie Jimmy Spencer will fight for the final cornerback slot. A.J. Johnson will be on the final 47 and then go on IR.

Kickers: Place-kicker Chip Lohmiller and punter Kelly Goodburn are the only kickers in camp, but Goodburn must do well to keep the Redskins from searching for another one.